Can I Use Lufthansa Miles On United? Discover Star Alliance Benefits And Upgrades [Updated On: September 2025]

Yes, you can use Lufthansa miles on United flights through the Star Alliance. To get the best options, book during saver availability. You can also earn Lufthansa miles when flying United. Check the MileagePlus and Lufthansa websites for eligibility and details on redeeming and accruing miles.

Additionally, Lufthansa miles can help you access upgrades on United flights. You can elevate your experience from economy to business class using these miles, provided there are available seats. The process is straightforward: visit the United website or app and enter your travel details.

Next, calculate the miles needed for your desired route. It’s important to note that certain terms and conditions apply, depending on your ticket type.

In summary, leveraging Lufthansa miles on United opens up various travel possibilities. This maximizes your rewards, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of both airlines. Understanding these options will enhance your travel experience and help you navigate the world of points and miles efficiently. Now, let’s explore how to effectively manage and maximize your loyalty program benefits across the Star Alliance network.

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Can I Use Lufthansa Miles on United Airlines?

No, you cannot use Lufthansa miles directly on United Airlines. Lufthansa miles, also known as Miles & More, are specific to Lufthansa’s loyalty program and cannot be transferred directly to United.

Both Lufthansa and United are members of the Star Alliance network. This means that you can redeem Lufthansa miles for flights on United Airlines, but you must book the flight through Lufthansa. Availability may vary, and you may face different policies regarding taxes and fees when using miles for partner airline flights. Additionally, the number of miles required may differ based on the specific route and class of service.

What Is the Relationship Between Lufthansa and United Airlines?

Lufthansa and United Airlines are both members of the Star Alliance network. Star Alliance is a global airline alliance that provides coordinated services among its member airlines. This collaboration allows for shared benefits such as code-sharing, frequent flyer programs, and joint airport lounges.

According to the Star Alliance’s official website, the alliance aims to enhance customer service and streamline travel for passengers. It connects over 1,300 destinations in more than 190 countries, facilitating convenient travel options for airline passengers worldwide.

The relationship between Lufthansa and United Airlines includes codeshare agreements, allowing both airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights. This cooperation expands route options for travelers. Joint loyalty programs enable passengers to earn and redeem miles across the airlines.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines airline alliances as partnerships that offer complementary services. These arrangements help airlines boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer experience.

Several factors contribute to the strong alliance between Lufthansa and United Airlines. Market competition pushes airlines to collaborate for better service offerings. Additionally, globalization increases travel demand, prompting airlines to enhance their networks.

In 2022, the combined revenue of Lufthansa and United Airlines exceeded $50 billion, reflecting the financial strength of their partnership. Both airlines project continued growth in international travel in the coming years.

The relationship affects global travel, providing passengers with more options and increased connectivity. This partnership enhances operational efficiency and overall market presence.

Environmentally, a collaborative strategy could lead to improvements in fuel efficiency through optimized flight operations. Economically, it fosters competition, which can result in lower fares for consumers.

Specific impacts of the alliance include improved flight schedules and streamlined check-in processes, benefiting frequent flyers.

To address potential operational challenges, both airlines could adopt advanced technologies for more efficient route planning. Recommendations from industry experts suggest fostering sustainability by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and optimizing ground services.

Embracing eco-friendly technologies such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and enhancing digital platforms can further improve their partnership’s efficiency and customer experience.

How Do Lufthansa Miles Work Within the Star Alliance Framework?

Lufthansa miles work within the Star Alliance framework by allowing members to earn, redeem, and transfer miles across multiple airlines in the alliance, enhancing travel flexibility and benefits.

Lufthansa miles, known as Miles & More rewards, can be utilized effectively within the Star Alliance. Here are key points to understand how they work:

Earning Miles: Passengers earn Lufthansa miles when flying with Lufthansa or any partner airline within the Star Alliance. Members accrue miles based on distance traveled and fare class. For example, flying from Frankfurt to New York may result in earning a different mile count than a short domestic flight, depending on the ticket price and class.
Redeeming Miles: Members can redeem Lufthansa miles for flights on any Star Alliance partner. This includes over 26 member airlines. For instance, you can use miles earned from a Lufthansa flight to book a seat on United Airlines or Singapore Airlines. Award availability may vary by route and time.
Transfers and Sharing: Star Alliance allows some degree of mile transfer between member airlines. However, transferring miles between programs typically does not apply. Members mainly use their miles for bookings and upgrades within their airline loyalty programs.
Upgrades and Services: Miles can be used for upgrades on Lufthansa flights or partner airlines within the alliance. An upgrade from economy to business class may require a specific number of miles, typically calculated based on distance and airline policies.
Miles & More Benefits: Participating in Miles & More offers additional benefits, such as priority boarding, access to lounges, and additional luggage allowances on Lufthansa and partner flights within the Star Alliance.

Due to these features, Lufthansa miles provide significant advantages when traveling within the Star Alliance network, enhancing convenience and rewarding loyalty.

What Are the Benefits of Star Alliance Membership for Lufthansa Miles Users?

The benefits of Star Alliance membership for Lufthansa Miles users include enhanced travel options, seamless connectivity, and improved mileage redemption opportunities.

Extensive Route Network
Earning Miles Across Airlines
Enhanced Service and Benefits
Coordinated Flight Schedules
Priority Services and Lounge Access
Opportunities for Upgrades
Potential Drawbacks

The following points expand on how these benefits play a significant role in enhancing the travel experience for Lufthansa Miles users.

Extensive Route Network: Star Alliance membership provides Lufthansa Miles users access to a wide range of destinations. The alliance includes 26 airlines, which collectively serve over 1,300 airports in 195 countries. This vast network allows users to find suitable flights to diverse locations easily. According to Star Alliance, this connectivity helps expand travel options significantly beyond what Lufthansa alone offers.
Earning Miles Across Airlines: Lufthansa Miles users can earn mileage on flights taken with any member airline. This allows travelers to accumulate miles faster, as they can accrue points across different flights. For instance, if a traveler flies Swiss International Air Lines or Austrian Airlines, they can still earn Lufthansa Miles, enhancing their mileage bank and potential rewards.
Enhanced Service and Benefits: Membership in Star Alliance allows Lufthansa Miles users to enjoy improved customer service features. Many member airlines offer additional benefits such as priority boarding and extra baggage allowances for frequent flyers. This consistency in service quality helps create a more streamlined travel experience.
Coordinated Flight Schedules: Star Alliance members often coordinate their flight schedules. This synchronization allows for easier connections between flights, reducing layover times and making travel more efficient. Such coordination helps optimize itineraries for travelers, providing a more pleasant travel experience.
Priority Services and Lounge Access: Lufthansa Miles users benefit from priority check-in and access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide. Travellers holding elite status or flying in premium classes can enjoy these advantages, improving the pre-flight experience. According to a 2021 report from Skytrax, lounge access significantly enhances passenger satisfaction.
Opportunities for Upgrades: Star Alliance membership opens up opportunities for users to redeem miles for upgrades on other member airlines. This flexibility allows travelers to enjoy a higher class of service without accruing miles solely through Lufthansa flights. Such upgrade potential is particularly appealing to frequent flyers.
Potential Drawbacks: While there are numerous benefits, some users may encounter challenges with mileage redemption or service inconsistencies between different airlines. Some users report that earning miles on partner flights can be more complicated than with a single airline, creating frustrations. However, many weigh these issues against the extensive benefits available.

Overall, Star Alliance membership significantly enhances the travel experience for Lufthansa Miles users through its extensive network, flexible earning opportunities, and added services, despite some potential limitations.

How Can I Redeem Lufthansa Miles for United Flights?

You can redeem Lufthansa miles for United flights because both airlines are part of the Star Alliance network, which allows members to use their miles on partner airlines. Here’s how to do it:

Understand the Alliance: Lufthansa and United are both members of the Star Alliance. This alliance includes over 25 airlines globally, allowing for extensive mileage redemption options.
Check Mileage Requirements: Review the mileage needed for specific United flights. The required miles depend on the route and availability. You can check this on the United Airlines website or the Lufthansa miles catalog.
Log Into Your Account: Access your Lufthansa Miles & More account. Ensure you have enough miles for your desired booking.
Search for Flights: Use the United Airlines website to search for flights. Enter your travel details and search for availability. Make sure to choose flights that are marked as available for mileage redemption.
Contact Lufthansa or Use the Website: To book a United flight with Lufthansa miles, either go through the Lufthansa website or contact Lufthansa customer service. Provide them with the details of your desired United flight and request to use your miles.
Pay Attention to Fees: Be aware of any fees associated with the booking. While you can use miles for the flight, taxes and surcharges may still apply.
Confirm Your Itinerary: After successfully redeeming your miles, you will receive a confirmation of your booking. Ensure all details are correct, such as travel dates and times.

By following these steps, you can effectively use your Lufthansa miles to travel on United flights within the Star Alliance network.

What Restrictions Apply When Redeeming Lufthansa Miles on United?

The restrictions on redeeming Lufthansa miles for flights on United include specific rules and limitations.

Availability of Award Seats
Partner Airline Restrictions
Booking Fees
Travel Class Limitations
Date Change and Cancellation Policies

These restrictions significantly impact how travelers can utilize their Lufthansa miles on United flights.

Availability of Award Seats:
The availability of award seats refers to the number of seats set aside for frequent flyer redemption. Lufthansa miles can be used on United, but award seat availability may vary greatly. Travelers often encounter limited seating, particularly during peak seasons or on popular routes. Effective planning and flexibility with travel dates improve chances of securing seats. According to airline experts, flexibility can lead to better outcomes for miles redemption.
Partner Airline Restrictions:
The term “partner airline restrictions” indicates specific guidelines when using miles on partner airlines such as United. Lufthansa miles can only be redeemed under specific flight categories. Notably, some United flights may not participate in the mileage redemption program. This can frustrate travelers who wish to fly with their preferred airline. Therefore, it is advisable to check availability on the specific itinerary prior to planning.
Booking Fees:
Booking fees are additional charges that may apply when redeeming miles. When booking a United flight using Lufthansa miles, travelers could incur fees that may diminish the value of their miles. Such fees can include surcharges, taxes, or service charges. These costs require consideration during planning to ensure an economical redemption process.
Travel Class Limitations:
Travel class limitations refer to restrictions on the classes in which miles can be redeemed. Lufthansa typically allows the redemption of miles for economy and business classes. However, first-class tickets may be excluded. This limitation necessitates checking the specific fare classes permitted for the chosen route.
Date Change and Cancellation Policies:
Date change and cancellation policies impact travelers’ flexibility with their bookings. Lufthansa and United have distinct policies regarding changes or cancellations of tickets booked with miles. Changes may incur fees, and cancellations could lead to loss of miles. Understanding these policies helps travelers make informed decisions when planning their trips.

In conclusion, while redeeming Lufthansa miles on United offers a valuable opportunity for travelers, being aware of these restrictions is crucial for a successful experience.

Can I Upgrade My United Flight Using Lufthansa Miles?

No, you cannot upgrade your United flight using Lufthansa miles. Lufthansa miles, also known as Miles & More miles, are not transferable for upgrades on United flights.

They are specific to Lufthansa and its partner airlines. Each airline within the Star Alliance has its own frequent flyer program with distinct rules. Upgrades usually require miles from the frequent flyer program of the airline on which you are flying. Therefore, to upgrade a United flight, you must use United MileagePlus miles or another eligible form of payment as per United’s policies.

What Are the Guidelines for Upgrading with Lufthansa Miles on United Flights?

You can use Lufthansa miles to upgrade on United flights, as both airlines are part of the Star Alliance.

Here are the main guidelines for upgrading with Lufthansa miles on United flights:
1. Eligibility of flights
2. Availability of award seats
3. Upgrade process
4. Mileage requirements
5. Potential fees

The next sections provide detailed explanations of each guideline.

Eligibility of Flights: Eligibility of flights includes specific routes and fare classes that are open for upgrades. Only certain United flights qualify for upgrades with Lufthansa miles, particularly those that sell under specific fare classes. It is important to check the specific flight number and fare class to confirm eligibility before attempting an upgrade.
Availability of Award Seats: Availability of award seats refers to the limited number of seats set aside for upgrades. Not all flights have open upgrade availability, and this often varies by the time of booking and travel season. Generally, premium cabins will have fewer upgrade seats available, hence early booking is essential to increase your chances.
Upgrade Process: The upgrade process entails using your Lufthansa miles through the Lufthansa website or customer service. After confirming flight eligibility and availability, you can request an upgrade to a desired class. This process may require providing your frequent flyer details and flight information, and it may differ slightly from booking regular award tickets.
Mileage Requirements: Mileage requirements specify the number of Lufthansa miles needed for an upgrade. These can vary widely depending on the flight distance, class of service, and other factors. Typically, longer flights or upgrades from economy to business will require more miles.
Potential Fees: Potential fees may apply when upgrading using Lufthansa miles on United flights. These can include processing fees or surcharges related to the fare difference between classes. It is advisable to review these potential costs beforehand, as they can affect the total number of miles used for an upgrade.

By understanding these guidelines, passengers can maximize the value of their Lufthansa miles when seeking upgrades on United flights.

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